The organisers of the Swiss Open has disqualified one of their home players following an incident involving the captain of the national Davis Cup team.
Yann Marti, who has been ranked as high as 200th in the world back in 2014, was withdrawn from the qualifying draw after winning his opening match. Aargauer Zeitung has reported that after he defeated Adrian Modmer 6-4, 6-3, Marti launched a verbal attack on Severin Lüthi. Who is his country’s Davis Cup captain as well as Roger Federer’s long-time coach. In is reported that Marti said to Luthi ‘you can put that in your butt.’ Presenting his racket at him.
Tournament director Julien Finkbeiner confirmed that following the incident an ATP investigation was launched. He said the reason for the investigation was due to ‘improper language and abuse.’ Resulting in the disqualification of Marti. According to rts.ch, a representative from the ATP said that decision was made because Marti ‘didn’t respect the rules’ without elaborating any further.
The 30-year-old has a long history with Luthi that centres around the 2015 Davis Cup. At the time Marti was his country’s highest ranked player eligible to play in the tournament following the withdrawal of Federer, Stan Wawrinka and Marco Chiudinelli. He trained with his national team, but was not selected for the first round tie against Belgium. A decision Marti called ‘the biggest disappointment in his career.’ Marti left shortly after the announcement to play ITF tournaments. Leaving Switzerland without a substitute and sparking criticism from some.
In 2016 Marti was hit with a four-month suspension by the International Tennis Federation. He was penalised over two instances of ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ on the ITF circuit. The governing body found him guilty of committing the Major Offence of Aggravated Behaviour.
Marti is currently ranked 810th in the world. He has won three Futures titles in his career with the last occurring back in 2016.
There is yet to be any comment from the Swiss player in regards to his suspension from the Swiss Open.
